Quarter-Life Questions - adulting made easy

From acne and dark marks to SPF, retinol and preventing the visible signs of ageing, we're cutting through the myths and confusion and sharing the skincare essentials every twenty-something should know.I’m joined by skincare expert and vice president of Elizabeth Grant skincare Margot Grant Witz to answer the skincare questions we were never taught in school.✨ In this episode, we chat about:The biggest skincare mistakes people make in their 20sWhether you should already be thinking about anti-ageingHow to deal with acne, breakouts and post-acne marksWhy prevention is always better than cure💬 About our guest:Margot is the Vice President and global on-air spokesperson for Elizabeth Grant Skin Care. Raised in a family that built one of the world's leading luxury skincare brands, she has been immersed in skincare from an early age. She regularly educates audiences worldwide on skincare ingredients, routines, and solutions, making complex skincare science accessible while sharing expert advice backed by decades of the brand's heritage and research.📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Drop me a message on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_ - I’d love to hear from you.⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review - it really helps more people find us and keeps the QLQ conversation going.Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!Grace x

Got a job interview coming up? In this bite-sized ‘Adulting Answered’ episode, careers expert Hannah from Momentum Careers shares her top tips to help you feel confident and prepared. From avoiding over-preparing to tackling group interviews, presentations, interview nerves and knowing the best questions to ask at the end. It's everything you need to smash your next interview in under 20 minutes.Check out Hannah’s fabulous TikTok here: @hannahmomentumcareers she shares loads more helpful tips on pretty much a daily basis. Or visit her website: www.momentumcareersadvice.com

How do you find a hobby as an adult? In this week’s episode, we’re diving into why so many of us lose our hobbies as we get older, and how to rediscover joy outside of work, routines and endless life admin.I’m joined by Emma, who’s taken on the incredible challenge of trying a brand new hobby every single week for the whole year. From stepping outside her comfort zone to embracing being a total beginner, Emma is on a mission to inspire more adults to make time for hobbies again.✨ In this episode, we chat about:How to find a hobby as an adultHow productivity culture can stop us doing things just for funWhy being bad at something can actually be good for youHow hobbies can improve confidence, wellbeing and social life💬 More about Emma:Emma is in her twenties and is currently documenting her challenge of trying 52 hobbies in 52 weeks. Through sharing her journey online, she hopes to encourage more adults to embrace curiosity and try new things, without worrying about being perfect.TIKTOK: @emmadean05📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Message me on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_  - I’d love to hear from you⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review - it really helps more people find us and keeps the QLQ conversation going.Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!Grace x

In this episode we’re talking about what life looks like for young people leaving care and navigating adulthood, often without the safety nets many of us take for granted.After being invited to the Department for Education to learn about the government’s new Enduring Relationships Programme, I wanted to find out more about what happens when you leave the care system at 18 and how do you cope with adulting when you’re doing so much of it alone.I speak to care leavers Hannah and Mackenzie about their experiences of leaving care and how programmes like Lifelong Links have helped them reconnect with important people in their lives.You’ll also hear from Josh MacAlister, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, and Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group, about why long-term relationships, stable housing and practical support matter so much for care experienced young people.It’s honest, it’s emotional and it’s very eye-opening. ✨ In this episode, we chat about:What it’s like to leave care at 18How Lifelong Links helps care leavers reconnect with family and friendsThe government’s new Enduring Relationships ProgrammeWhy relationships and practical support both matter for long-term outcomes💬 About Lifelong Links & Family Rights GroupLifelong Links is a family finding programme developed by Family Rights Group. It helps children in care and care leavers build lasting support networks by reconnecting them with relatives, friends, neighbours, teachers and other trusted adults who can offer lifelong support.Family Rights Group is a charity working to improve the lives of children who live in or are at risk of entering the care system by helping families stay safely connected wherever possible. Website: https://frg.org.ukHere are some other useful support & resources for care experienced young people:Become (charity for children in care and care leavers)Support, advice and campaigning for children in care and young care leavers.https://www.becomecharity.org.ukCare Leaver CovenantA national organisation providing opportunities, discounts and practical help for care leavers.https://mycovenant.org.ukDrive Forward FoundationEmployment support, coaching and opportunities for care experienced young people.https://driveforwardfoundation.orgBarnardo’sSupport services for children, young people and care leavers across the UK.https://www.barnardos.org.ukInformation from Department for Education About review into deaths of care leavers https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-to-examine-deaths-of-vulnerable-care-leavers\About Enduring Relationships programme https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enduring-relationships-for-care-experienced-children/enduring-relationshipsCentrepointSupport for young people facing homelessness or housing insecurity.https://centrepoint.org.ukShelterHousing advice and homelessness support.https://www.shelter.org.ukMindMental health support and information.https://www.mind.org.ukYoungMindsMental health resources for young people.https://www.youngminds.org.uk📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Slide into my DMs over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok  @gracemcintosh_  - I’d love to hear from you. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review - it really helps more people find us and keeps the QLQ conversation going.Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!Grace x

I’m sure we can all agree that adulting can feel overwhelming at the best of times. You're trying to navigate work, relationships, friendships, finances, mental health and all the other responsibilities that come with adulthood.But what happens when you're also helping care for someone you love?To mark National Carers Week, I’m chatting with Hannah who’s a young adult carer and knows the unique challenges, responsibilities and emotions that can come with balancing caring duties alongside your own life.From feelings of guilt and frustration to family communication and finding support, this conversation offers an honest insight into a role that often goes unseen.✨ In this episode, we chat about:What it means to be a young adult carerHow caring responsibilities can impact your twentiesThe emotional realities of caring, including guilt, resentment and burnoutWhy communication and support are so importantAdvice for other young adult carers who may be struggling💬 About Carers UKCarers UK is a leading charity supporting unpaid carers across the UK. They provide practical advice, information, campaigns and support services for people who look after a family member, partner or friend who couldn't cope without their help due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or addiction. The charity works to ensure carers are recognised, valued and supported, while also providing resources to help carers manage the challenges they face in everyday life.Website: https://www.carersuk.orgHere’s some other useful support & resources for Young Adult Carers: Carers Trust:https://carers.orgMobilise (online support community for carers):https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/young-adult-carersNHS Support for Carers:https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carersYoungMinds Mental Health Support:https://www.youngminds.org.ukMind:https://www.mind.org.ukIf you're a Young Adult Carer in Manchester aged between 16-25 you can take part in this survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScN6LqozERDnRZeUOK8VJ-4LlISt4krCSq2AUhQT3sytlTFKw/viewform📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Slide into my DMs over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_  - I’d love to hear from you.⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review - it really helps more people find us and keeps the conversation going.Thanks so much for listening - and see you next week!Grace x

Travelling the world can often feel completely out of reach when you’re trying to save money, pay rent and keep up with the rising cost of living, but budget travel is far more realistic than you might think.This week I’m joined by Will and Eve, a couple who quit their jobs six months ago to travel the world on a budget with a one-way ticket and a mission to go as far as their savings will take them. From overnight buses and budget hostels to money-saving hacks and travelling slower, they share how to travel on budget without it feeling restrictive. ✨ In this episode, we chat about:The best ways to save money travelling in the UKHow to save money on accommodationBest way to save money on flights and trains Tips for anyone wanting to travel without spending a fortune💬 More about Will & Eve:“Ey up! We’re Will and Eve. Travel lovers and money saving enthusiasts. We’ve packed in our jobs and are currently travelling on a one way ticket, going as far as the brass’ll stretch. Which knowing us, should last us yonks! Follow along to learn how we explore the world while being as tight as a ducks a***.”INSTAGRAM: @tighttravellersTIKTOK: @tighttravellersBLOG: https://tighttravellers.co.uk/📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Slide into my DMs over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_  - I’d love to hear from you.⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review - it helps more people find the show, and it genuinely means the world.Thanks for listening,Grace x

What if you could cut your biggest expense, work from anywhere, and build a lifestyle centred around freedom and flexibility? This week on the Quarter-Life Questions podcast, I’m joined by Emma Truscott, a full-time house sitter and freelancer who’s done exactly that. Instead of paying rent, Emma travels between homes, caring for pets and properties while working remotely and embracing a lifestyle built around change. We're finding out how she got started, what house sitting actually looks like day to day, and the realities of living life without a permanent base.✨ In this episode, we chat about:What full-time house-sitting looks like in practiceHow to build trust with homeowners when you’re just starting outEmma’s favourite and most memorable house-sitting experiencesPractical advice for anyone thinking of giving house sitting a go💬 More about Emma:Emma Truscott is a full-time house sitter and freelancer who has built a unique, low-expense lifestyle centred around travel, flexibility, and freedom. By moving between homes and caring for pets, she’s been able to significantly reduce her living costs while working remotely and exploring new places. Emma embraces change as part of her everyday life and is passionate about showing others that there are alternative ways to live beyond the traditional 9-5 and fixed-home model.Instagram: @wheres_emsTikTok: @wheres_emsSubstack: @wheresems📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Slide into my DMs over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok  @gracemcintosh_  - I’d love to hear from you. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review if you got a minute spare, it helps a lot. Thanks so much for listening and I’ll catch you next week!Grace x

With more than 1.35 million people in the UK now working multiple jobs, this week on the pod we’re diving into the rise of poly-employment and what it actually looks like day to day.I’m joined by Chloe Mayhew, who’s balancing freelance graphic design, teaching drama and dance, and working in a care home all while building towards a long-term career in the creative industry.We chat about the reality of juggling multiple roles, the financial side of having more than one income stream, and whether having a “portfolio career” is the future of work for our generation.✨ In this episode, we chat about:What poly-employment actually is (and why it’s growing)What Chloe’s day-to-day schedule really looks like The pros and cons of juggling multiple jobsThe unexpected skills you gain from working different rolesTips and advice for juggling multiple jobs💬 More about Chloe:Chloe Mayhew is 27 and based in Glasgow. She embraces a true portfolio career, juggling multiple roles across acting, singing, teaching, care work, and freelance graphic design and social media. No two days look the same, ranging from creative work and filming to 14-15 hour shifts and she’s built a lifestyle that blends variety with flexibility. Chloe is a strong advocate for poly-employment, highlighting how working multiple jobs can actually create more freedom and open doors to a wider range of opportunities.INSTAGRAM: @chloemayhew___TIKTOK: @chloerooney_📲 Want to get involved?Got a Quarter Life Question you’d love to hear answered on the pod?Slide into my DMs over on Instagram @gracemcintosh1 or TikTok @gracemcintosh_  - I’d love to hear from you. ⭐ Enjoying the podcast?Please leave a 5-star review if you got a minute spare, it helps a lot. Thanks so much for listening and I’ll catch you next week!Grace x